GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Caution: If penetrating oil gets on the vertical surfaces between the wheel and the rotor or drum it could cause the wheel to work loose as the vehicle is driven, resulting in loss of control and an injury accident.

Notice: Never use heat to loosen a tight wheel. It can shorten the life of the wheel, studs, or hub and bearing assemblies. Wheel nuts must be tightened in sequence and to the specified torque to avoid bending the wheel or rotor.

Perform the following steps in order to remove a tight wheel:

  1. Retighten all the wheel bolts on the affected wheel.
  2. Loosen each wheel bolt 2 turns.
  3. Apply quick, hard jabs on the brake pedal in order to loosen the wheel. If this does not loosen the wheel, rock the vehicle from side to side using the body weight of one or more persons.
  4. Repeat this procedure if the wheel is still tight.

Removal Procedure

  1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Use a non marring tool to carefully remove the wheel cover.
  3. Remove the wheel bolts. Mark the location of the tire and wheel to the hub assembly.
  4. Remove the tire and wheel.
  5. Clean the wheel bolts, the wheel, and the rotor mounting surfaces.
  6. Clean the rotor mounting surfaces.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required

J 39544-KIT Complete Torque Adapters Socket Set (10 pcs.)

    Caution: Before installing the wheels, remove any buildup of corrosion on the wheel mounting surface and brake drum or disc mounting surface by scraping and wire brushing. Installing wheels with poor metal-to-metal contact at the mounting surfaces can cause wheel nuts to loosen. This can cause a wheel to come off when the vehicle is moving, causing loss of control and possibly personal injury.

  1. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Align the locating mark of the tire and wheel to the hub assembly.

  2. Object Number: 70082  Size: SH

    Caution: Never use oil or grease on studs or nuts. Tighten the wheel nuts with your fingers until they are snug. Then, tighten the nuts (in the sequence shown) to the fastener tightening specification shown in Specifications in this Section. Improperly tightened wheel nuts could eventually allow the wheel to come off while the vehicle is moving, possibly causing loss of control, personal injury, and property damage.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the wheel bolts using J 39544-12A .
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the wheel bolts to 109 N·m (80 lb ft).

  5. Use a rubber mallet in order to install the wheel cover.
  6. Fully seat the wheel cover.
  7. Lower the vehicle.